NIABALI'S GOLD BIKE AT THE KIELCE BIKE EXPO

The unique Merida Scultura Centenario model is a tribute to the rich history of the
legendary Giro d'Italia

Vincenzo Nibale's gold-plated bike will be a unique attraction featured at the  KIELCE BIKE-EXPO - Central and Eastern Europe's biggest B2B trade fair in bicycle industry.  From 21 to 23 September the bike will be on display for at close at E-16 Merida Poland expo stand.  The unique Merida Scultura Centenario model is a tribute to the rich history of the legendary Giro d'Italia.  The Bahrain-Merida group leader took part in the 100th race.  The bicycle frame is covered with gold leaves with the names of the race winners until the race's 100th edition, including Nibale, the winner of the Giro d'Italia in 2013 and 2016.  Gold was applied onto the upper carbon layer and then covered with a transparent lacquer.  There is a sign "Centenario" (The Centenary) on the frame. The whole project refers to the unique Giro d'Italia trophy awarded to its winners.  Despite the lavish decoration, the bike weighs 6.8 kg and complies with the UCI limits.  It has never been available for sale and it was exclusively used by Nibali for the Giro race.

The best on the royal stage

Cycling fans have remembered the Golden Scultura from the royal stage of the Giro d'Italia2017. Its route led the famous alpine passes of the Passo del Mortirolo, Passo dello Stelvio and Umbrailpass.  – It was a spectacular stage – said Vincenzo Nibali whose victory was truly spectacular. He was rankded third in the race.  – I wanted to win, but I have no regrets, because I did all my best – admitted the cyclist who is famous for his stamina.  He has recently been the Vuelta a Espana runner up and it has been the 10th time to stand onf the podium of a big tour.  The Bahrain-Merida cyclist is one of only six in history who have won all three major tournaments (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana).  Ever since the beginning of the season he has used Merida Scultura as the basicbike.  – I immediately felt it was a comfortable machine.  It is rigid, light and stable, very easy to handle – admits Nibali.

Light, rigid and comfortable

The new Scultura version had its premiere before 2015's Giro d'Italia.  - New Scultura is the most balanced road bike in our portfolio.  We are very pleased with its low weight, stiffness, comfort and aerodynamics  - says Juergen Falke, Merida director of products and the head of its research and development department.  - The response from the professionals is excellent.  Not only do they enjoy Scultura's low weight, but also the aggressive handling and the bike's agility  – adds Patrick Laprell - Merida product manager responsible for road bikes.  The bike is also famous for its 4.5-kg Scultura Superlite LTD version which attracted considerable attention at last year's Kielce Bike-Expo.  It is the world's lightest mass-produced bike.  It takes up to 14 hours to create the frame; the process requires manual application of 400 carbon elements.  Walls in Superlite LTD version are only 0.4 mm thick in some of the areas.  Despite such record-breaking values, the model offers excellent stiffness and is fully safe. This has been confirmed with tests and certifications.  The most important race-test has also been passsed by Scultura Vincenzo Nibalego, also on show at Kielce Bike-Expo.  The bikes will be on display for at close at E-16 Merida Poland expo stand.

(PP)